Ilya Repin – the Myth of the Russian “Muzhik” (Peasant)

Abstract

The article analyzes Repin’s art. Two conclusions are drawn on the basis of this analysis. First, the difference between contemporary and classical art is exaggerated. In the author’s opinion, any art, both realistic and abstract, makes the invisible visible. Secondly, Repin’s paintings depict the premonition of the catastrophe of Russian peasantry. Ruining of peasantry leads to what can be called the collapse of Russian soul. In essence, this idea is evident when comparing portraits by Repin. In the article the author compares portraits of Andreev, Gorky and Musorgsky painted by Repin and, examines the contrast between Russian “muzhik” (peasant) and intelligentsia in his paintings «The Unexpected Visitor» and «The Arrest of the Propagandist». The author also compares the portraits of the peasants by Perov and Kramskoy with the paintings of Repin.